TiaJuana “TJ” Harris, 98, a long time resident of Albuquerque, N.M., beloved sister, wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother, and a proud citizen of the Chickasaw Nation, passed away peacefully after a long and fulfilling life on March 17, 2025.
She entered this world on October 19, 1926 in Rosedale, Okla., born to Dewey “Cotton” Eddlemon and Una Lee Yoakum. Later, she moved to Purcell, where she graduated from Purcell High School.
TJ married the love of her life, Lou Harris, after meeting him on Naval Air Station Norman, where she worked and he was stationed, and together they enjoyed 67 years of married bliss and adventure. They started their family in Purcell, where Lou was the McClain County Attorney. They then moved to New Mexico, where their adventures continued; including building two mountain cabins for the enjoyment of the entire family. Trading in the solitude of the mountain cabins for the open road, TJ and Lou enjoyed RVing with their many friends from the Siglo de Oro RV Club.
TJ is predeceased by her husband, Lou; daughter and best friend, Stephanie Wildes and siblings, Jimmy Dwayne Eddlemon, Mary Ann Parr, Dewey Lee Eddlemon and W.T. Eddlemon.
She is survived by her son, Scott (Sally) Harris; son, Stacy Harris; nine grandchildren; 15 (soon to be 16) great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild and six nieces and nephews.
TJ was known by all her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchild as “T,” she loved rocking every baby in the family to sleep, took pride in pulling many of their first teeth, and was sure to bring chicken and dumplings when someone was sick. TJ was well known to both family and friends for her creativity, bold nature, delicious cooking and sassy sense of humor.
TJ was the true matriarch of the family, modeling deep love, friendship, forgiveness, compassion, respect, joy and a strong work ethic.
A private family memorial service will be held at a later date. The family wishes to express sincere gratitude to the staff of Abode Hospice for their compassionate and professional care for TJ at the end of life.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made on TJ’s behalf to St. Jude’s Children Hospital.